Need help in choosing revolver

H

harrydog

New member
Right up front I'll profess ignorance when it comes to revolvers. I own nothing but semi-autos, but as of late I've decided I want to buy a revolver for CCW use.
I'm looking for the best, small frame revolver I can get. I think I want it in .357, but 38 +P might be OK too, if that is an adequate round for self defense.
Cost will not be an issue. What would be considered the strongest, most durable revolver in a small frame? I want something in steel, not a light weight frame (unless the titanium models have proven themselves to be durable over the long haul).
Any advice will be appreciated. I plan to rent as many as I can to try them out before I buy.
Thanks.
:confused:
 
Not exactly an expert but......

In my opinion I would go with either a Smith J frame or a Ruger SP101.

The J frames are a bit lighter then the SP101 so easier to throw in a pocket but seem to soak up .357 recoil better than my fiance's heavier SP101.

They are both excellent in every way. The Ruger takes a little more dry firing to smooth out the trigger but that is my only complaint.

Strangely I went with the Model 60LS which is the stainless steel Smith J frame ladysmith with hammer. I like having a hammer that I can cock back for single action, but it is probably better off to get a shrouded hammer for CCW. I dunno personal decision. Smith did have a centenial model that had a pretty cool shrouded hammer that could still be cocked for single action when I was looking.

I liked the LS because of the grips, trigger and fit and finish. I am very impressed with its accuracy, ability to soak up recoil and its workmanship.

The SP101 is a little less refined but feels much beefier. You could drive nails with this sucker. I'm pretty sure you could shoot a volkswagon out of that thing without problems.

Taurus seems to make really nice feeling and looking small revos but I have heard to many bad stories about them. I cannot speak from experience as I have never owned one.

Older Colt Detectives are just damn cool.

That about sums up my limited knowledge.

Basically you have people that swear by both J frames and SP101s and you can't go wrong either way.

The most important thing with a snubbie is practice and practice what you will carry. Practicing with .38 and carrying .357 will do no more that scare the BG to death, unless you get lucky.

Hope this helps.

Chris
 
A Smith&Wesson J frame should fill the bill nicely. The do kick severely in .357, but you can do most of your practice shooting with .38 Specials. :cool:
 
Ruger SP101, Smith & Wesson 19/66 or 65 would be
my recommendations. The Ruger SP 101 is built like
a tank, and would out live most of us!:eek: On the
other hand, the Smith & Wesson model 19/66 can
be had with a 2.5" barrel and adjustable sight's.
The 3" Smith & Wesson model 65 will definitely be
the hardest of the three to locate; but they are a
real gem.:cool: :) The model 65 is a fixed sighted
model; and is easily concealed.:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Since you specified, "What would be considered the strongest, most durable revolver in a small frame?" the answer would have to be the same advice as given by Dan - Ruger SP101.

You could probably tie a rope through the trigger guard of an SP101 and drag it to the range. When you get there, it will be dinged up but I would bet you can load it with Federal Classic 125g JHPs and it will fire all five rounds.
 
Another vote for the SP101!

Granted they are not the lightest small frame revolver you can buy. On the other hand they are far and away the toughest. More important, they are relatively pleasant to shoot. Good shooting:)
 
Thanks guys. That's the type of info I was looking for.
What are your thoughts on .357 vs .38 Special +P?
In other threads I see that some think the .357 is painful to shoot out of a small gun.
I'm going to try to shoot one before buying, but interested in your thoughts. I'd prefer .357 but not if I can't shoot it well.
 
SP101............

I don't think there's a round manufactured or reloaded that could bust an SP101. A gun for the ages. All stainless and built like a battleship.
 
Get the .357, and you can still carry .38's or .38 +P's. If you want to work up to the .357, at least you'll have that capability.
 
Recoil is very subjective

I truely believe my lighter 60LS handles .357 much more pleasantly then my heavier SP101. But that is very subjective to me.

As for .38+P vs .357. You will still get more FPS out of teh .357 but can you hit what you are aiming at. I am comfortable with either although I shoot my LS well enough with .357 that I prefer that round. My fiance' has the SP101 loaded up with .38 +Ps.

Get the .357 so that you have the option. If you can't handle .357 no biggie use it as an extremely tough .38. Shoot .357 for fun or work up to them if you want. If you find that .357 is ok then you have a .357 you can practice with but if you want to just plink bring a bunch of .38.

You can't go wrong with two guns in one IMHO.

As everybody stated you will not get a tougher gun then the SP101. I don't know if that matters in a practical sense in that most good quality modern handguns with a modicum of care will outlast your grandkids. The SP101 however will outlast them even if they use it to jack up cars or break open walnuts with it.:)
 
Many people seem to love their J frame .357s. I would think recoil and control would be an issue in such a light gun, but many say it is not. I have a S&W M40 in .38 Special and I find it a bit unpleasant with full loads. Trying to control the gun for fast repeat shots is a serious problem. I think a lot of folks with .357 pocket pistols are counting on needing only one shot.
 
For full-magnums,

you'll want rubber grips that cover the backstap. The SP101 is excellent in that respect. I've actually put those from a Taurus on one of the Smiths. The Butler Creek or Uncle Mike's work well, also Just a teensy bit of cushion there makes a world of difference in control. I can empty the cylinder at 10yds. almost as fast as I can dry-cycle the gun and cover all 5 with my hand.:D Granted, this is with Remington 110s, or 125 GS loads. Full-tilt-boogie Federal Classic would be more of an exercise, I'm sure.;)
 
I have the Smith 640 (J-frame .357) and love it. It is a handful with Magnums, but controllable. I prefer the lighter weight of the J-frame for concealed carry.
 
I like SP101 too.

As for ammo, 38 Special +P 158Gr LSWCHP is good for selfdefense. I personally carry mine with full power Federal or Remington 125gr JHP but I admit it does have a lot of recoil (I like that :D ) and muzzle blast. Middle choice would be Federal, Winchester or Remington 357 magnum 110gr JHP or that "mid-power" Remington 357 magnum 125gr JHP as they have less recoil.
 
So, it appears that there is a pretty solid agreement that Ruger or S&W is the way to go. To add to those posts I'd suggest that you take a look at a used Security Six. It was a really nice, down right reliable pistol and you can often find them at a great price.

Also, the modern 38's are a pretty potent load. Keep your eyes open for deals on the 38spls. Often they sell really cheap because everyone wants the magnum (even though they will shoot 38spl through them 99.99999999999% of the time).
 
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